Atlético de Madrid pulverizes Xabi Alonso's new Madrid

BarcelonaA week of resurrection for Atlético de Madrid, capable of defeating Real Madrid in a beautiful derby, with chances at both ends. Xabi Alonso's first defeat as manager in La Liga opens the door for Barça, who could snatch top spot from a team that has been overwhelmed by the intensity of the Colchoneros. If just a few days ago Atlético were losing 2-1 to Rayo Vallecano and seemed ruled out of the title race, they now climb up the table thanks to the comeback against Rayo Vallecano and today's well-deserved victory. Six points from two derbies in five days.

And that despite the fact that Madrid had taken the lead thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler, who turned the score around after Atlético's opening goal. Diego Simeone's team had clearly outplayed the leaders at the start of the match and, after two missed chances by Sorloth, struck in the 14th minute with a header from Le Normand. Real Madrid's comeback came thanks to Mbappé, who masterminded his move by connecting with Güler in the 25th minute and finished with a brilliant cross. The Frenchman remains Madrid's mainstay.

Real Madrid's comeback came with a move by Vinícius, who punished a poor header from Le Normand by passing to Güler in the 36th minute. Defensive errors seemed to condemn an electric Atlético in attack, with Simeone's son destroying Carreras and Sorment destroying Carreras. The Scandinavian was already starting to get whistled.

The second half belonged to Julián Álvarez, the home side's big star. He is a player who seems born to score in important matches, especially against our neighbors who wear white. First, he made it 3-2 from the penalty spot after a clear foul by Güler. And shortly after, it was necessary to make it 4-2 with a beautiful shot that evaded Courtois. Xabi Alonso brought on Mastantuono and Camavinga, as well as the forced replacement for Militao, who was forced to leave the ball at halftime. But Atlético were the better side, even though they gave away possession. Madrid tried to react, but came up against a very solid Atlético side that is once again believing in itself and ended up celebrating with a bang with Griezmann's fifth goal in stoppage time.

"It will be difficult to forget this defeat. It's undoubtedly very tough, and we take responsibility for it. This isn't the level we want to play at. We started a new game after the break; after the 2-2 draw, we were alive, although overall the game wasn't good. We're not happy with how we played today. But we also don't want to forget where we've come from. The progress and the construction we've made are tough days. This is football," Xabi Alonso would say at the end.